Extension of scheme to modernise prisons approved

New Delhi, June 16: The Union Cabinet today extended the scheme to modernise prisons by two years.

The scheme, initially approved for 2002-07, has been extended by two years, with affect from April 1, 2007, without affecting the total outlay of Rs 1,800 crore, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters after the Cabinet meeting that gave the extension.

''The decision to extend the scheme would enable the state governments to complete the works which are already underway,'' Mr Mukherjee said.

The state governments that have already started their works in respect of Annual Plans for 2002-03 and 2003-04 will, as a special dispensation, be granted further time up to September 2006 to enable them to fully utilise the funds.

The utilised funds of states not performing up to the mark will be allowed to be diverted to those states that have been demanding additional funds on completing their approved works.

The state governments will be allowed to spend ten per cent of their total allocation for purchasing equipment to modernise and increase the efficiency of prison administration as also for building infrastructure for undertaking correctional programmes.

UNI